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Posted: 07/09/14

Sidewalk Sales feature
health and wellness clinic

by CHRIS GRAYObserver Staff Writer

Shoppers can meet local vendors, pick up a few health tips and snag some sales this weekend in downtown Romeo.
The Romeo Merchants, Restaurants and Professional Association (MRP) is hosting its annual Sidewalk Sales on July 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In past years the Sidewalk Sales would close down the road and have more of a festival atmosphere. This year, though, coordinators are keeping the roads open and are aiming for a more family-friendly shopping experience.
Carol Humphreys, Romeo MRP treasurer, said the MRP's goal was to have the right organizations step up with their expertise and come together for a community event.
"What we're striving to work for is to show a unity of all organizations to show downtown Romeo is a destination for your whole family," she said.
Merchants will set up shop on both days, but the activities will take place on July 12. Humphreys said they are encouraged to wear name tags so patrons can learn who they're shopping from.
"Romeo is like that - you walk into a business, you get a `hi' and people try to help you," she said.
One of the main events taking place on July 12 is a natural health and wellness clinic held at the Masonic Temple on N. Main Street. Presentations will be held on essential oil education, family-friendly first-aid, mother and baby care and yoga classes, and services like oral cancer screening, aroma touch therapy and nutrition advice will be available for attendees.
Pam Mann, certified health coach and board certified holistic practitioner with the American Association of Drugless practitioners, said the hope is to educate people on integrated medicine - a medical philosophy that uses the latest technology but doesn't depend on pharmaceuticals.
"We're providing information on natural green living for health care and healthier ways of life for your family," she said.
A children's activity center at First Merit Bank will feature face painting, children's games, sidewalk chalk art and a local firetruck and police cruiser to explore.
Other events include a farmers market with more than 25 vendors, trolley rides, a pet parade and a "Meet the Merchants" area and raffle at the Coney Island, where the winning ticketholder receives a merchant gift basket at 5 p.m.
In addition to merchants, local non-profits will be represented. The Samaritan House will have tickets available for its annual heirloom quilt raffle, the Starkweather Arts Center will open its galleries and the Romeo Historical Society will have blacksmith demonstrations at the Clyde Craig Blacksmith Museum.
"It's really going to be a large scope of things," Humphreys said.
The Sidewalk Sales will take place alongside the Friends of the Romeo District Library's Romeo Area Garden Walk, which is followed by the Starkweather Arts Center's Moonflower Afterglow.
For more information on the Sidewalk Sales, call 586-752-2682 or log onto www.romeomrp.com.